The Work Behind the Work: Our Kilte Collaboration

We pushed classics into color and pattern— here’s how it came together.

Launching today, I wanted to share the story behind our new collaboration with Kilte— what clicked, what changed, and why I’m so proud of how it turned out. Thomas surprised me with an impromptu interview asking me to go deeper into the details of the collab.

Thomas: I was inspired by your off the cuff Instagram Stories about the Kilte collaboration last week. I thought I could interview you now that the collection is live to give even more details about that launch.
Julia: OK, let’s go.

Thomas: When did the collaboration click for you? Was there a particular fabric swatch, sample, or fitting that sealed it?
Julia: When I say yes to a collaboration, it’s because I can already see it. I start by presenting a direction— how I want the collection to feel— then I pull imagery for color palette and print. It’s like working a puzzle: the idea is in my head, but once I gather visuals, everything locks into place. With Kilte, the first CADs told me their designer fully understood what I was trying to communicate, which was encouraging and so energizing.

Thomas: What were a couple of the unglamorous steps that shaped the final pieces— the “work behind the work”?
Julia: Honestly, it’s lots of back-and-forth questions before a single sample is cut: Are we creating new styles or putting my spin on existing silhouettes? Where can we push—color, print, scale—without losing what makes Kilte’s knitwear so wearable? We also over-develop intentionally: sample a few “safer” ideas alongside bolder ones, then react to what actually arrives. For the photoshoot this time we built a mini studio at home to shoot both editorial and backdrop imagery—you’ll see those backdrops on Kilte’s site. Not glamorous, but it makes the story coherent from product to pictures.

Thomas: Any details you had to fight for? Or places you deferred to the Kilte team?
Julia: No battles! The whole point is trust. When I felt strongly about a decision, they backed me; when it came to materials, knit structure, or fit, I trusted their expertise. That balance is why we take collaborations sparingly— so they feel like real partnerships.

Thomas: You mentioned interiors were a big influence. How did that show up here?
Julia: I love looking outside fashion for ideas. For this collection I kept returning to interiors— rooms, trims, tilework— and the way colors sit together. I wanted more geo and less floral for fall. The geo you’ll see was sparked by tile patterns I kept collecting. Color-wise, we paired beautiful staples (dune, chartreuse) with statement moments (fair isle, geo) so you can decide how bold to go.

Thomas: How do you want women to really live in these pieces this fall?
Julia: Repeat-wear them. These are machine-washable cashmere and not precious. They’re designed for everyday life, to be loved and reworn. I’m packing them for London and Ireland: the geo for travel days with denim and flats; the dune knit for chilly mornings under a coat; the fair isle at night with trousers and earrings. Classics with a little joy.

Thomas: For someone new to Kilte— three words you’d use to describe the brand?
Julia: Quality. Thoughtfulness. Everyday. Beautifully made pieces that are meant to be lived in.

Thomas: What’s your north star for collaborations— and what did this one teach you?
Julia: I have to be genuinely proud of the product. If I saw it without my name on it, would I want to buy it? If the answer isn’t a clear yes, we edit until it is—even if that means a tighter, more specific story. This project was a reminder of what happens when each side brings what they do best and lets the other push a little: classics made bolder, without losing their ease.

You can now shop Julia Berolzheimer x Kilte here!